President Basescu: Romanian troops remain in Iraq until 2011

President Traian Basescu told a Monday's video-conference with the Romanian troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans that Romania would keep its troops in Iraq until 2011 or until the allied troops leave this country.

Basescu underscored this statement is aimed at 'clarifying ' any political debate on this topic.

The president said Romania had been requested by the Iraqi government to continue its mission in Iraq to 2011.

Basescu mentioned the future missions Romania will participate in along the NATO troops would be discussed and negotiated until this year's end. 'My option is for the missions and locations not to change, if possible', said Basescu.

He thanked the Romanian troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and western Balkans for their activity and voiced hope their programme would allow them to celebrate Romania's National Day. The President also thanked the commanders of the Romanian military missions in other countries.
AGERPRES